Banruo Zhang, Zijie Li, Xiaomeng Li and Ziqi Liu
The speed of internationalization is an important research topic in the process of internationalization. This paper aims to answer two questions: first, what is the relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
The speed of internationalization is an important research topic in the process of internationalization. This paper aims to answer two questions: first, what is the relationship between the speed of internationalization of Chinese multinational firms and their performance? Second, how do potential slack and knowledge assets of firms affect this relationship?
Design/methodology/approach
The authors choose Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2009–2018 as the research sample and use the fixed-effect regression model to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
Firstly, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the speed of internationalization and firm performance (SI-P). Secondly, the potential slack and knowledge assets of firms moderate the inverted U-shaped relationship. Firms with a higher level of potential slack or knowledge assets have a flatter inverted U-shaped relationship between SI-P.
Originality/value
First, the authors develop and extend Penrose’s theory of firm growth to the research topic of speed of internationalization. Second, this paper incorporates the time dimension into the research on the internationalization process and locates the research context in emerging market firms (EMFs). This is a step forward in clarifying the complex relationship of SI-P. Third, the authors show that the SI-P relationship of EMFs is inverted U-shaped and integrate previous studies, which argue that rapid internationalization positively or negatively affects firm performance. Fourth, starting from inside the firm, the authors provide more contextual factors for better understanding and analysis of the SI-P relationship.
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This study aims to explore the role of ChatGPT literacy within the technology acceptance model (TAM) framework and its potential for learners of English as a foreign language…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the role of ChatGPT literacy within the technology acceptance model (TAM) framework and its potential for learners of English as a foreign language (EFL), whereby ChatGPT is integrated into their informal digital learning of English activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 543 Chinese EFL learners were collected using a cross-sectional quantitative method. The relationships between six factors, namely, ChatGPT literacy, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, behavioral intention and actual use, were conceptualized and tested based on the TAM framework. The conceptualized model was verified using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicated that ChatGPT literacy is a significant predictor of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which were the two core variables with a significant impact on attitude. Perceived ease of use positively influenced perceived usefulness, indicating the mediating role of perceived usefulness in this path. Attitude significantly and positively influenced behavioral intention, which positively predicted actual use. Moreover, ChatGPT literacy moderated the relationship between behavioral intention and actual use.
Originality/value
This study extends the TAM framework by incorporating ChatGPT literacy as a predictor and moderator between behavioral intention and actual use. Empirical evidence is further offered for including ChatGPT as a language-learning instrument with great potential for EFL learners in extramural EFL learner settings.
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Piers Allott, Bill Fulford, Bernard Fleming, Toby Williamson and Kim Woodbridge
Jingbo Xu, Xiaohong Xu, Xiaomeng Cui, Fujun Zhang, Qiaowei Li, Weidong Wang and Yuhang Jiang
As the infrastructure of the railway, the rail could sink or deform to different degrees due to the impact of train operation or the geological changing force for years, which…
Abstract
Purpose
As the infrastructure of the railway, the rail could sink or deform to different degrees due to the impact of train operation or the geological changing force for years, which will lead to the possibility that the facilities on both sides of the rail invade the rail clearance and bring hidden dangers to the safe operation of the train. The purpose of this paper is to design the gauge to measure the clearance parameters of rail.
Design/methodology/approach
Aiming at the problem, the gauge for clearance measurement was designed based on a combination measurement method in this paper. It consists of the measurement box and the rail measurement vehicle, which integrates a laser displacement sensor, inclination sensor, gauge sensor and mileage sensor. The measurement box was placed outside the rail vehicle. Through the design of a hardware circuit and software system, the movement measurement of the clearance parameters was realized.
Findings
In this paper, the measurement equations of horizontal distance and vertical height were established, the optimal solutions of the structural parameters in the equations were obtained by Levenberg–Marquardt method, then the parameter calibration problem was also solved.
Originality/value
The gauge has high precision; its measurement uncertainty reaches 1.27 mm. The gauge has manual and automatic working modes, which are convenient to operate and have practical popularization value.
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Xinrui Wang, Xiaomeng Hu, Xiangnan Feng, Xinyu Han, Qi Liu and Yueqin Li
This study aims to produce composite pigments, including SHS/ZnAl-LDHs, IDS/ZnAl-LDHs and SNND/ZnAl-LDHs, with improved coloration, enhanced photostability and thermostability and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to produce composite pigments, including SHS/ZnAl-LDHs, IDS/ZnAl-LDHs and SNND/ZnAl-LDHs, with improved coloration, enhanced photostability and thermostability and biocompatibility.
Design/methodology/approach
The chemical structures of the composite pigments were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Photostability and thermal stability were assessed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and colorimetry. The coverage of the dyes was determined through black-and-white tile testing, and specific RGB values were used to indicate color expressiveness. Finally, a four-color eyeshadow was formulated, and safety tests were conducted via human patch test and cellular assays to confirm the safety and reliability of the samples.
Findings
The experimental results demonstrate an enhancement in the photo and thermal stability of the SHS/ZnAl-LDHs, IDS/ZnAl-LDHs and SNND/ZnAl-LDHs composites, along with their superior performance in terms of covering power and color saturation. These composite pigments also exhibit high safety, making them well-suited for cosmetic applications.
Practical implications
The composite pigments based on hydrotalcite can be used in the cosmetic industry without causing any harm to the environment and human health.
Originality/value
The addition of hydrotalcite enables better application of pigments in cosmetics.
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Xiaomeng Chu, Yali Liu and Zhongze Shang
During the oil lubrication process of aviation herringbone gears, lubricating oil is injected into and spreads around the tooth surface. Its spreading characteristics directly…
Abstract
Purpose
During the oil lubrication process of aviation herringbone gears, lubricating oil is injected into and spreads around the tooth surface. Its spreading characteristics directly affect the lubrication state and transmission efficiency of gears. This study aims to investigate the effect of changing the injection parameters and gear operating conditions on the oil film deposition during injection lubrication.
Design/methodology/approach
The computational fluid dynamics method was used to establish the computational domain for the simulation and optimization using an orthogonal test. The oil film spreading and thickness of the tooth surface were calculated with the change in gear speed, fuel injection distance and fuel injection speed. Optimized oil injection lubrication parameters were obtained, and design ideas were provided for the oil injection lubrication analysis of aviation herringbone gears.
Findings
Under different operating conditions, such as varying the injection speed, gear rotational speed and injection distance, there were differences in the distribution of the lubricating oil film formed on the tooth surface. The thickness of the oil film decreases as the distance from the injection port increases. The thickness of the oil film deposition can be increased by increasing the injection velocity and reducing the gear rotation speed. The injection distance had a relatively small effect on the spreading thickness of the deposited oil film, affecting only the dynamic spreading process of oil film deposition. Furthermore, the simulation results are compared with the analytical calculation results, and finally the experimental verification is carried out.
Originality/value
Oil spray lubrication characteristics are important for achieving precise gear lubrication designs in the aerospace field.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2023-0250/
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Xiaomeng Zhang, Sang Xiong, Feng Gao, Jinyuan Du and Qin-Jian Du
WO3 particles were prepared by the sol-gel method. Tetraethyl silicate (TEOS) was used to obtain a SiO2-coated WO3 nanoparticle. Quantum chemical parameters of oleic acid…
Abstract
Purpose
WO3 particles were prepared by the sol-gel method. Tetraethyl silicate (TEOS) was used to obtain a SiO2-coated WO3 nanoparticle. Quantum chemical parameters of oleic acid, triethanolamine, glycerol and methyl pentane as dispersants were theoretically calculated. Tribological properties of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant were carried out on an MRS-10A four-ball friction and wear tester.
Design/methodology/approach
The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparation and tribological properties of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant.
Findings
The obtained SiO2-coated WO3 nanoparticle (nano-SiO2/WO3) with a particle size of about 70 nm. The calculated adsorption energy of triethanolamine on the surface of the steel ball is 554.6 eV, and triethanolamine is selected as the dispersant. The dispersion effect of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant is good, which shows that triethanolamine oleate plays a good dispersion role in the preparation of lubricant, which is consistent with the calculation results of the adsorption capacity of dispersant. As a good auxiliary lubricant, SiO2 can improve the tribological properties and wear resistance of WO3.
Originality/value
Nanocomposite lubricants have been the focus of research in recent years, which could greatly reduce energy consumption. And the SiO2/WO3 exhibited excellent lubrication performance as a lubricant additive. The lubrication mechanism of SiO2/WO3 nanocomposite lubricant is the synergistic lubrication mechanism of friction film lubrication and antifriction bearing. This study could provide a certain reference for the practical application of nanocomposite lubricants.
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Xiaoling Song, Xuan Qin and XiaoMeng Feng
This study aims to comparatively measure the impact factors of financial inclusion and their spillover effects for Belt and Road countries using panel data from 57 countries in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to comparatively measure the impact factors of financial inclusion and their spillover effects for Belt and Road countries using panel data from 57 countries in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2021 and relevant indicators from three dimensions: availability, usage and quality to construct a digital empowerment index of financial inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
A spatial Durbin panel model is constructed to empirically test the impact mechanism of financial inclusion under digital empowerment.
Findings
Results reveal that improving a country’s quality of regulation, technology and residents’ financial literacy significantly contributes to the development of its financial inclusion, while improving its neighboring countries’ financial literacy also boosts its financial inclusion development. This study provides theoretical support for evaluating the development level of inclusive finance in “Belt and Road” countries, promoting the development of inclusive finance and alleviating the problem of financial exclusion.
Originality/value
This study is original as it creates a research paradigm for “Belt and Road” countries, enabling systematic testing and comparative analysis of inclusive finance development. It incorporates traditional and digital services, evaluating them based on sharing, fairness, convenience and specific group benefits. An inclusive financial index is constructed using the coefficient of variation and arithmetic weighted average methods. Additionally, it introduces a more rational analysis approach for the influence mechanism and spatial effect, using an economic geography nested matrix and spatial Durbin model to explore spatial effects in inclusive finance.
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Yixing Zhang, Xiaomeng Lu, Haitao Yin and Rui Zhao
Scholars have not agreed with each other on how people would behave after experiencing a catastrophic event. They could save more as a precautionary action for future difficulties…
Abstract
Purpose
Scholars have not agreed with each other on how people would behave after experiencing a catastrophic event. They could save more as a precautionary action for future difficulties or save less with a carpe diem attitude. This study aims to attempt to shed light on this debate with empirical observations on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected household saving decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The two waves of the survey data allowed us to investigate both instantaneous and ongoing effects of Covid-19 on household saving decisions. The instantaneous effect refers to the immediate impact of the crisis, while the ongoing effect refers to the lasting impact of the pandemic when economic recovery had started. The variation in the number of confirmed cases across cities during the two waves provides the source of power for identification. The authors extend their analyses of the impact of Covid-19 on the household saving decision by using ordinary least squares models. Due to the ordered nature of survey responses, the authors also rerun all baseline models using the ordered probit regression method.
Findings
This paper studied the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on household saving decisions in China. This study found that households in the most affected cities would save more during the Covid-19 but tend to save less when the disaster started fading away. Combining findings in Kun et al. (2013) and Filipski et al. (2015), people do become more pessimistic during and after the Covid-19, possibly driving their observed precautionary and cape diem behaviors during the two points of time. Heterogeneity analysis shows that specific households would dramatically change their saving behavior. These observations might be useful for policymakers who concern the economic recovery after this pandemic disaster.
Originality/value
Understanding how the Covid-19 pandemic would affect household consumption vs saving decisions is important for the economic recovery after this disaster comes to an end. The analyses presented in this research could be useful for policymakers who concern appropriate policies aiming to boost consumption and economic activities after Covid.
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This paper aims to explore various tensions related to the diffusion and reception of the New Qing History (NQH) in China, and more specifically, it aims at underlying a recurrent…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore various tensions related to the diffusion and reception of the New Qing History (NQH) in China, and more specifically, it aims at underlying a recurrent tension within the core of this debate, between a Global and a Nationalist historical narrative.
Design/methodology/approach
The author’s focus is to analyze various texts published in China between 2006 and 2018.
Findings
The author argues that the intensity of the current debate is partly related on the one hand, to the fact that NQH undermines various aspects of China’s Nationalist teleology and territorial claims and, on the other hand, to the basic difficulty of accepting the coexistence of various historical representations that are risking to weaken contemporary’s justifications of its rising schemes.
Originality/value
The text presents an original reading of some important issues raised by the NQH debate.